ADHD in Women and Girls

Girls and women are often not being diagnosed with ADHD as symptoms are less evident for females. It is possible to misdiagnose them as other disorders and delay the referral.

It is crucial to understand and address the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among women suffering from ADHD. Periods of transition such as adolescence and pregnancy can also unmask and exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women.

1. Get a diagnosis

ADHD is a difficult condition to diagnose particularly in famous women with adhd. This is because a lot of the symptoms are different for females. For example, while men tend to exhibit hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, many women have trouble concentrating or sitting still. They might be misdiagnosed with other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.

Doctors may not be familiarized with ADHD, as it is more prevalent in men and boys. This can lead to delays in diagnosis since women aren't referred as swiftly. Girls are also able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This makes them less likely to be noticed by parents or teachers. They might use strategies for coping, such as concealing their appearance with makeup or acting out, to cover up their actions and feelings.

The symptoms of ADHD can worsen when women are experiencing menopausal or perimenopause. This is because they can have hormonal fluctuations that can cause mood swings. They might be unable to keep track of their activities and follow routines. This can impact how they manage their home, work and other responsibilities.

While awareness of ADHD has increased due to high profile personalities like Loose Women presenter Nadia Sawalha talking openly about their diagnosis, the long wait times for tests are creating stress and frustration for those who haven't been in a position to get the assistance they require. This is especially relevant for those who are on the NHS as there are only a few doctors who are able to conduct ADHD tests. It can take a long time to get an appointment.

The first step towards getting a diagnosis involves seeing your GP. It is important to mention to your GP that you believe you may have ADHD because they'll need to be attentive and ask for a referral. You must also provide the reasons you believe you might have ADHD. You can download a help letter from ADHD UK to give to your GP, which can assist in the speedy process. Alternately, you can consider obtaining an assessment through the private healthcare route.

2. Talk to your doctor

Women with ADHD are more difficult to identify due to the fact that their symptoms, especially as they age, may not be as obvious. They might develop strategies to cover up their problems, and these could be detrimental to their health. They may do this by drinking excessively, smoking cannabis, and seeking to build support for their friends by engaging in high-risk activities (e.g. Prostitution, gangs, and criminal activity are all examples of high-risk activities. Girls with adhd and depression in women may also be more susceptible to increased incidences of sexually transmitted infections and teenage, unplanned and early pregnancies.

GPs take reports of ADHD extremely serious and will inquire about your symptoms. They will then direct you to the most appropriate service for you - this typically a community mental health clinic or a specialised Neurodevelopmental Service.

The wait times for these services can be lengthy and in some instances it can be difficult to be diagnosed because the issue isn't treated with enough seriousness. This could be due to the fact that the GP does not know about adult ADHD, or because they believe that the individual's issues are caused by something else (like anxiety, depression or substance misuse) and not due to their ADHD symptoms.

It is essential to choose a therapist who has ADHD experience who is willing to work alongside your ADHD issues. Some therapists specialise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is especially helpful for people with ADHD.

Managing ADHD symptoms is a continuous process that can last for a lifetime. Medication can help to reduce some of your symptoms, and diet changes can also make a difference. A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms. A diet that is high in sugars and junk food may increase the severity of these symptoms.

It is also worth speaking to your GP about whether mindfulness-based practices such as meditation could be useful for you, as they can be very efficient in helping those suffering from ADHD to manage their symptoms. These techniques can be taught by a trained instructor. You can locate a teacher near you by using the NHS service locator.

3. Find a support group

Women with ADHD may have less obvious symptoms than men. This is probably due to the fact that females don't display as many hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. This can make it harder for them to be diagnosed. However, this is not to say that they aren't suffering from any signs of adhd in women. They might have ADHD add symptoms in adult women that are harder to recognize, such as inattentive ADHD. They may also have trouble managing their emotions and relationships. This can lead to strained or dissolved relationships particularly with males.

Women who have inattentive ADHD may be more likely to have difficulties at school and work. They may have trouble following instructions, meeting deadlines, and keeping on top of commitments. They may also find it difficult to accept constructive criticism or positive feedback. These challenges can lead to burnout which could have a negative impact on their performance at work and career.

Women with adult ADHD often have trouble paying attention, forgetting easily and aren't organized. They might also be prone to self-doubt and depression. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings, and are often misinterpreted. For instance, mood swings can be misinterpreted as a sudden outburst anger or frustration.

Despite these challenges there are many resources available for adults with ADHD. One of the best options is a support program that is specifically designed for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups are accessible online and in person. These groups are a great place to receive advice on diagnosis routes for children and adults, as well how to manage your illness.

If you're looking for an adult ADHD support group, there are many in the UK. For example the Bristol Collective meets every Wednesday at The Hideout in St Judes. They offer a safe place for adults suffering from ADHD to share their challenges, achievements and hopes. The information about the meeting are available on their Facebook page or website. You can also contact them with any questions you may have in the event that you'd like to join a future event.

4. Exercise

Women with ADHD have particular difficulties that make it difficult to manage their symptoms, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopausal symptoms. These hormonal changes can cause or worsen emotional issues such as mood swings and anger.

Exercise can reduce these symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress. It also helps manage excess energy, and increase focus and concentration. Try to include an exercise routine that you regularly do in your daily routine.

You can exercise at home or, if your goal is to socialize join a club or join a gym. Exercise can ease certain ADHD symptoms however it cannot solve them. It should be incorporated with other strategies to treat symptoms. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout each week.